The Teacher Who Tried Everything: Kimberly's Path to Migraine Freedom

Imagine facing a challenge so daunting that each day feels like an insurmountable mountain.

That was the reality for Kimberly, a special education teacher whose passion for her work was nearly overshadowed by the intensity of trying to do her job well with migraines.

"Last school year almost killed me - very literally," she confessed, a sentiment that echoes in the hearts of many who have been pushed to their absolute limits with migraine pain.

But this year, there's a new narrative taking shape.

"This school year is so much better!" Kimberly exclaims with a renewed sense of hope. Though the pressures of her job remain unchanged, her capacity to navigate them has transformed completely.

The secret to her newfound resilience?

I’ll let Kimberly tell you!

Today on the blog, she’s sharing her firsthand experience of how she overcame her struggles with migraines.

*If you’d like to tune in and listen to her story, click here!

The Onset of Disabling Migraines

I've always had migraines, but they were manageable until 2019, when they morphed into 24/7 intense pain and pressure to the point of being disabling every single day.

They were accompanied by aphasia, brain fog, nausea, extreme dizziness, joint and muscle pain, and anxiety and depression. I initially went to an ENT on referral, thinking I had severe chronic sinus infections, and prepped for surgery, only to find out my sinuses were clear. I had an embarrassing breakdown in front of the ENT. He was the one who suggested that what I really had was "abnormal chronic migraine" and referred me to a neurologist.

The neurologist was fantastic, validated all of my symptoms (yes, another breakdown in a doctor's office), and we started the treatment journey.

The Frustration of Ineffective Treatments

In spite of a wonderful, patient-centered, empathic neurologist, nothing worked long-term, and, as with many suffering from migraines, I found myself taking a variety of monthly and quarterly shots, preventatives, abortives, etc., with no long-term relief.

Despite exercising, eating as well as I could with the information I knew, taking supplements and vitamins, etc., my symptoms seemed to be increasing, not decreasing. On top of all of this, my anxiety and depression peaked with some very severe migraines that lasted for days on end. They scared the heck out of me and my husband. I feared I was going to end up in the hospital, long-term, if this kept up.

Discovering a New Path: The Freedom From Migraine Method®

In my search to end my pain, I found the Freedom From Migraine Method®. Oh My Gosh! In just four months, I have so much of who I was back!!

My migraines are no longer 24/7, maybe once every 10-14 days, under a 5, very manageable with my strategies, last a few hours at most, and are not at all debilitating. *

I am also off of all medications!! I've learned excellent strategies that have significantly increased my migraine threshold and avoid severe migraines altogether. My inflammation has significantly decreased - no more swelling, muscle spasms/tension/deep throbbing, joints aching.

A Return to Living: Beyond the Pain

I have had almost no incidents of anxiety or depression, and if so, very minor and manageable.

I have traveled and actually enjoyed myself for the first time in over 5 years.

I actually feel in control of my body again!

The unique protocols, tailored strategies, and patient-specific adjustments in FFMM® offered what standard treatments never could, steering me towards a life I thought was lost. I shudder to think where I'd be without FFMM®, likely hospitalized and on leave from work. My family and husband have much of the "old me" back -- much more energy, able to spend time with loved ones and friends, smiling, talkative, and an active part of others' lives again.

Thriving Despite the Challenges

Being a special education teacher, the only teacher on campus and essentially running the special ed program, with a 24/7 migraine (truly never went away, just varied in severity) was next to impossible.

Last school year almost killed me - very literally. But I'm stubborn and committed, so I pushed through (as so many of us do).

I started the FFMM® program over the summer, and I've just gotten better and better since. This school year is so much better! The workload and overall job stress haven't changed, but my ability to manage them, manage my health, and find balance absolutely has. I actually think I'll be able to make it at least a few more years to retirement now if not more.

I'm proud of myself for making difficult decisions to prioritize myself and my health to carve out the time to work on the program.

Getting Back to Precious Moments

One of the most freeing things is being able to travel again to see our adult kids and good friends, go on vacation, etc., without it completely wiping me out and being miserable before, during, and after.

We've had some really wonderful times and have made some great memories, with family and as a couple, since my improvements.

I am able to be present and enjoy these cherished moments. Quality time with my loved ones is exceptionally important to me, and it means so much to have that back again.

Kimberly’s Message for You

I know finances can be challenging, but my time in the program was worth it for the knowledge, support, power, and freedom that I discovered that no doctor or prescription medication could provide. I've tried it all, and I know you have to. This is 100% different, effective, authentic, empowering, and validating.

You will learn so much about yourself, your body, and your unique needs! And you will have the best support with the guidance of those who have been where you are and those who are journeying with you. It isn't easy, and it takes dedication and persistence, but it is life-changing.

There is hope, and this is it!

Kimberly R. AZ, USA

*Update 2/2025: Kimberly has found her migraine freedom and is feeling amazing!

Making Informed Choices

Are you tired of relying on pills and quick fixes just to make it through another grueling workday with a migraine? Do you dream of a life where you're not constantly chasing the next moment of fleeting relief?

You've likely tried everything to manage your migraines, desperately seeking a way to break free from the relentless pain.

But what if the answer isn't another pill or a temporary fix?

In my upcoming masterclass, Breaking the Pain Cycle: A 30-Day Guide to Migraine Relief Without Relying on Pills or Quick Fixes to Get Through Your Workdays, I'll show you how to start feeling real migraine relief in the next 30 days – without the endless cycle of medications and bandaids.

In just 90 minutes, you'll discover:

The hidden triggers sabotaging your efforts to find lasting relief.
Simple yet powerful strategies to start reducing your migraine frequency and intensity naturally.
How to build a sustainable plan that addresses the root causes of your pain, so you can finally reclaim your workdays and your life.
Stop feeling like you're just trying to get through the day. It's time to take control and build a future where migraines don't dictate your life.

Click here to sign up for the "Breaking the Pain Cycle" masterclass and start your 30-day journey to real migraine relief!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbie Waidl is the Owner of In The Balance Health Coaching LLC, and Founder of The Freedom From Migraines Method™ & The Migraine Freedom Protocol™
She supports busy moms living with Migraines.

Debbie will uncover what is holding them back from migraine freedom so they can live their life pain and symptom free, work productively, spend the time they want with family and friends, and stop missing out on the things they enjoy.

A message from Debbie:
"I was once right where you are now. 100% believing there was NO WAY to end migraines and my only option was to learn how to live with them or find that magic pill that maybe would work for a while. If anyone told me back then that I could end my pain once and for all, I would have called BS and popped another pill!

Skeptical times 10 was my middle name for sure because when you try it all and everyone tells you they can help you and they don’t. You stop believing… you lose HOPE!

I now realize I was approaching my migraines all backward.

I was trying to cover up symptoms versus trying to end my pain."

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